The National Working Committee (NWC) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has dissolved the party’s executive structures in Kano State, including those at the state, local government and ward levels, ahead of the anticipated defection of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

KANO FOCUS reports that the decision was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the NNPP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Oladipo Johnson, who disclosed that the party’s leadership would soon constitute a caretaker committee to oversee its affairs in the state.

Johnson explained that the dissolution followed an emergency meeting of the NWC and was carried out in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

“The National Working Committee of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, after an emergency meeting, has, in accordance with the constitution of the party, announced the dissolution of its Executive Committees at the state, local government and ward levels in Kano State,” the statement read.

“In line with the provisions of the party’s constitution, the NWC resolved to appoint caretaker committees to act in the interim. Further instructions will be announced in due course.”

He added that the NWC expressed appreciation to all party officials affected by the decision for their contributions to the growth of the NNPP in Kano State.

“The NWC accordingly thanked all those who held positions at the state, local government and ward structures of the party in Kano State and assured them of the party’s appreciation for their invaluable contributions,” Johnson said.

The development comes amid an ongoing political crisis between the NNPP’s National Leader and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Governor Yusuf. The rift has heightened speculation over the governor’s reported plan to defect to the APC, a move said to be strongly opposed by Kwankwaso.

Meanwhile, the Kano State chapter of the APC has confirmed that Governor Yusuf is expected to formally join the party in the coming days, further intensifying political realignments in the state.

Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim

Communities across Northern Nigeria, from Yobe, Benue and Adamawa to Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna and Jigawa, experienced an unusual Harmattan season in 2025, marked by late arrival, reduced intensity and subdued dust levels.

KANO FOCUS reports that the Director of Climate Change at the Kano State Ministry of Environment and climate change, Umar Sale Anka, disclosed this development in a post on his official Facebook page on Thursday, noting that the familiar seasonal pattern is increasingly becoming unpredictable.

Traditionally, the Harmattan — a dry, dusty wind carried by northeasterly trade winds from the Sahara Desert — arrives between late November and mid-March, signalling the peak of the dry season. However, experts say this long-established rhythm is now being disrupted by changing climatic conditions.

According to Anka, the timing and strength of the Harmattan depend on the balance between moist monsoon air and dry Saharan air. Historically, this transition followed a stable cycle, but rising global temperatures and changing atmospheric circulation have weakened the pressure systems that drive the dry winds southward, making the Harmattan less predictable and less intense.

In 2025, prolonged rainfall extended into what is usually the early dry season in parts of the North, leaving residual moisture in the atmosphere. This reduced the dryness needed for the Harmattan to set in, delaying its onset. Environmental factors such as vegetation loss, land degradation and changes in land surface temperatures have further altered local atmospheric behaviour, reinforcing the shift in seasonal patterns.

The changing climate, experts warn, poses serious challenges for smallholder farmers who depend on predictable seasons for planting and harvesting. Erratic rainfall and delayed dry periods have disrupted farming calendars, increased crop losses and reduced yields, contributing to rising food insecurity. In states such as Sokoto and Yobe, reduced surface water availability has also made irrigation more difficult and costly, placing additional economic pressure on rural households and local food markets.

Despite the challenges, stakeholders say there are practical steps communities can take to adapt. Climate-smart agriculture — including the use of drought-tolerant and early-maturing crop varieties, crop diversification, soil conservation and integrated pest management — has been identified as a key strategy for stabilising food production amid erratic weather.

Investment in water harvesting and efficient irrigation systems is also critical. Techniques such as rainwater harvesting, community reservoirs and drip irrigation can help farmers maximise limited rainfall and reduce dependence on shrinking natural water sources. Improved access to accurate, localised weather forecasts and early warning systems can further empower farmers to make informed decisions.

At the policy level, experts stress the need to integrate climate adaptation into agricultural development plans. This includes expanding rural water infrastructure, promoting agricultural insurance schemes and ensuring that state and national policies reflect the realities faced by farmers in the North.

Civil society organisations are already playing an active role in this effort. Groups such as the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN), the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), the Centre for Environment and Rural Development (CERD), Green Legacy and Sustainable Action for Nature (SAN) are working with communities to promote climate-resilient practices and advocate supportive policies.

Observers say the delayed 2025 Harmattan season is more than a weather anomaly. It is a clear warning of a changing climate that requires sustained adaptation, collective action and long-term planning. With appropriate support, experts believe Northern Nigeria’s communities can continue to build resilience, safeguard livelihoods and secure a more sustainable future.

Over 150 heavily armed bandits, riding on more than 50 motorcycles and reportedly carrying bazookas and other sophisticated weapons, have raided several villages in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, killing one civilian and carting away about 100 cows.

KANO FOCUS reports that the attack, which affected Yankwada, Babanduhu and neighbouring communities, occurred from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday, sparking intense gun battles between the assailants and Nigerian military personnel deployed to the area.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Shanono/Bagwai Community Security Forum, Alhaji Yahya Bagobiri, said the bandits launched the attack on a revenge mission following the killing of nine of their members by the military during an encounter last week.

According to him, the attackers arrived in large numbers, with each motorcycle conveying about three armed men, and opened fire on the villages from about 1:00 a.m. until around 5:00 a.m. on Friday.

“The bandits invaded Yankwada, Babanduhu and other villages, shooting sporadically. Sadly, one civilian was killed during the attack,” Bagobiri said.

He, however, commended the Nigerian military for their swift and tactical response, noting that despite being outgunned, the troops were able to repel the attackers and prevent them from advancing into major towns.

“The military, though with fewer weapons compared to the bandits, stood their ground and successfully blocked them from penetrating the main towns. Eventually, the bandits were dislodged and forced to retreat,” he added.

Bagobiri disclosed that although the attackers succeeded in rustling about 100 cows, their overall objective was thwarted by the resilience of the security forces.

He called on the Federal Government to deploy more troops to the area and provide them with improved firepower to complement the efforts of the personnel currently on ground.

The community security forum chairman expressed optimism that with additional support, including collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, the bandits could be effectively contained.

“The intention of these bandits is to penetrate Kano State, but with increased military deployment, better equipment and sustained operations, their criminal activities can be stopped. This will restore peace to Shanono, Bagwai, Tsanyawa and Gwarzo local government areas,” he assured.

Residents of the affected communities have continued to call for sustained security presence to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives and property.